China on Monday said Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader following the death of his father was an internal matter, warning against any attempts to target him.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions after Israel’s military threatened to strike any successor to former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the first wave of joint air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, said the leadership decision was made according to Iran’s constitutional processes.
“Iran’s decision to appoint the younger Khamenei was based on its constitution,” he said.
Guo added that Beijing opposed any attempt by foreign powers to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs.
“China opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” he said.
Israel’s military had earlier indicated that any successor to Ali Khamenei could also become a potential target in the ongoing conflict.
The former Iranian leader was killed more than a week ago during a series of coordinated air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In recent days, Israel and the United States have continued air attacks on Iranian targets.
Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone strikes directed at Israeli territory as well as Gulf countries hosting American military bases, further escalating the conflict across the Middle East.
